Drudge is now reporting that the tape I posted on here and here has been authenticated by the CIA and the FBI. He’s got the Mars light flashing on it.
UPDATE: Now Drudge has a link:
The tape appears to be from al-Qaeda’s media liaison organization. It has a banner crediting the Sahab Production Committee. The speaker refers to Bin Ladin and Zawahiri as “our leaders” and praises the 11 September attacks.
Intelligence officials believe:
Videotape message likely produced in late summer ’04 due to references to current events such as the 9/11 Commission.
Individual is college educated, either American born or raised in the U.S.
The U.S. is actively seeking to identify the individual. Adam Gadhan – aka Adam Pearlman of Southern California – remains the chief candidate but another still unknown individual may be possible.
Pearlman was highlighted by the FBI in May as an individual most likely to be involved in or have knowledge of the next al Qaeda attacks.
US intelligence officials say the danger is that if this individual is an American citizen, he will be immersed in the culture and customs and have the ability to travel in America freely and unnoticed.
Developing…
UPDATE: Rev. Donald Sensing (back at least temporarily from hiatus) has a good analysis of why the tape is in all probability an empty threat.
UPDATE: ABC airs part of tape.
